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Applied Learning by Design

A business owner and a group of design students at Minnesota School of Business-St. Cloud formed a valuable relationship and learning experience through an applied learning project.

Students in Mike Chau’s Design Studio class worked with Jon Ruprecht, owner of Nock Design Group, to design a logo for a new photography studio in the area. The project even resulted in a paid internship for one student.

Students designed a logo, business cards and a mock website for Nock Design client, Ariel Photography. Ruprecht and the client evaluated the students’ work and, in the end, Ariel Photography adopted the student-designed logo for its business.

“This experience prodded the students to do more,” Chau explained. “It turned them into professionals.”

Upon the project’s completion, Ruprecht called Chau with high praise for the students’ efforts and the opportunity for a paid internship at Nock Design. Three of the design students applied, and student Michael Scott landed the internship.

“Although the internship wasn’t expected, it became the goal,” Scott said. “I now have life experience beyond schooling.”

Chau summarized the students’ project and its ultimate success as “remarkable.”